The 8th Jiu-Jitsu Asian Championship is scheduled to take place at the Mubadala Arena from 3-8 May. This event is under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council. The championship will bring together over 1,500 male and female competitors from more than 30 countries. The event is organized by the Jiu-Jitsu Asian Union and hosted by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation. The adult division competitions will take place from 3-5 May, followed by the youth division competitions from 6-8 May.
While physical ability undoubtedly plays a crucial role, it is often the strength of the mind that separates champions from the rest. Through unwavering commitment, mental toughness, and relentless perseverance, athletes navigate through pain, exhaustion, and adversity, pushing themselves past their perceived limits. They develop a mindset of resilience, turning setbacks into opportunities for growth.
Unhindered by physical limitations, Hamda Alshkeili is an Emirati athlete whose journey is propelled by the power of the human mind and an unwavering spirit, rather than the physicality of her body. Despite being born with hearing impairment, the 22-year-old purple belt in Jiu-Jitsu proudly represents the UAE Jiu-Jitsu National Team.
In 2023, Hamda won the gold medal at the Jiu-Jitsu Asian Championship held in Bangkok, Thailand. She is now preparing to defend her title and is looking forward to the championship in Abu Dhabi, which is scheduled to take place from May 3-8, starting this weekend.
As the flagship event for the UAE National Team, the Jiu-Jitsu Asian Championship holds special significance, with Hamda and her teammates striving for a fourth consecutive victory. Her stellar performance previously earned her 800 points in the Women’s Professional Purple 23-24 AJP Tour 2023-2024 ranking, securing her position as #59 globally, #19 in Asia, and #6 in the UAE.
A young martial artist expresses their excitement for competing in any championship, regardless of its size. However, being the defending champion adds more excitement and a desire to win, defend the title, and give their best.
The Jiu-Jitsu Asian Championship is expected to draw over 1,500 competitors from various parts of Asia, including male and female athletes. The week-long championship will also feature approximately 700 contenders in the youth categories representing 25 nations.
The athlete acknowledges feeling some pressure but believes that’s what sports are all about. They are giving their 100%, have had great training sessions, and have the full support of the federation and the technical team. This athlete, Hamda, is currently a first-year Special Education student at Al Ain University.
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Hamda’s track record showcases her skill and dedication. She stood out last season with a remarkable victory at the Thailand Open Grand Prix 2023. Additionally, she has an impressive collection of achievements, including three gold medals at both the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship and the Jiu-Jitsu World Championship.
